Networking

One of the most important things I'm learning through this process of becoming a single Mom with tight finances is to network. When you're a stay-at-home Mom, this comes naturally. You set up playdates for your kids, you find outings, and notice things like posters for community events, etc. when you're out on neighborhood trips.

When you're a working Mom, you don't get those connections as easily. Your kids are in daycare and not having play dates, and if you saw a poster for a community event, it was a blur as you whizzed by it with your supermarket cart on a busy Saturday morning as you shopped for the week.

I've learned to use my network of neighborhood Moms, and found myself reaching out and getting information that's been really useful to me. For instance:

Ask about parks and playgrounds in the area. I learned about 3 new park/playgrounds just this week, and I can't wait to check them out.

Ask about inexpensive, kid-friendly restaurants. Where are their favorite places to go?

Ask them what they do with their kids on rainy days. I've gotten some really great suggestions that will come in handy as we move into cold weather.

Ask them for their inexpensive vacation ideas. Everyone has their cost-cutting tricks, whether it's for a day trip or a full week off.

Surf the web for ideas. Check out the websites of your local newspaper, churches, and area businesses. You'll find free events all over the place!

If you can get your hands on one, buy an Entertainment Book. These are available regionally, and it's usually schools, daycares, and even some local businesses that sell them. They're full of coupons for area attractions, museums and restaurants, and they don't cost a fortune to buy.

By reaching out in all these different avenues, you can find a wealth of ideas and information that makes planning an inexpensive outing a lot easier. And now I'm going to network even further: what are your ideas for inexpensive outings? What kid-friendly restaurants do you recommend that won't break the bank? What do you do on a rainy day? Throw me some suggestions in the comments, please. I'm all ears!!!